Doctors for Safer Drug Policy
@dsdp.ca
A group of physicians who care for people who use substances and advocate for safer, more compassionate, evidence-based healthcare policies.
Reposted by Doctors for Safer Drug Policy
Been covering DULF's constitutional challenge for @thetyee.ca this week. Crown prosecutors have tried to poke lots of small holes in what founders Eris Nyx and Jeremy Kalicum were doing. Nyx and Kalicum have largely defended themselves saying they were doing the best they knew how at the time.
November 29, 2025 at 12:50 AM
Been covering DULF's constitutional challenge for @thetyee.ca this week. Crown prosecutors have tried to poke lots of small holes in what founders Eris Nyx and Jeremy Kalicum were doing. Nyx and Kalicum have largely defended themselves saying they were doing the best they knew how at the time.
Thank you @robbotterell.bsky.social for bringing @hrna.bsky.social and our words to the heart of the debate on @davidebybc.bsky.social's plans to expand involuntary treatment and pre-empt the results of a longstanding charter challenge by disability rights groups and others.
#harmreduction #bcpoli
#harmreduction #bcpoli
November 28, 2025 at 4:53 AM
Thank you @robbotterell.bsky.social for bringing @hrna.bsky.social and our words to the heart of the debate on @davidebybc.bsky.social's plans to expand involuntary treatment and pre-empt the results of a longstanding charter challenge by disability rights groups and others.
#harmreduction #bcpoli
#harmreduction #bcpoli
"A day prior to the spike in overdoses, North Cowichan bylaw officers, backed up by RCMP, started clearing out an encampment on Lewis Street and returned the next day to finish."
November 27, 2025 at 8:02 PM
"A day prior to the spike in overdoses, North Cowichan bylaw officers, backed up by RCMP, started clearing out an encampment on Lewis Street and returned the next day to finish."
Reposted by Doctors for Safer Drug Policy
Canada - Drug User Liberation Front’s Constitutional Challenge to Compassion-Club Charges Begins filtermag.org/dulf-constit...
DULF’s Constitutional Challenge to Compassion-Club Charges Begins - Filter
As British Columbia’s overdose crisis escalated in the second half of the 2010s, Jeremy Kalicum was getting his first experience ...
filtermag.org
November 27, 2025 at 6:10 AM
Canada - Drug User Liberation Front’s Constitutional Challenge to Compassion-Club Charges Begins filtermag.org/dulf-constit...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
The predictable, ongoing result of a total failure to replace the unregulated supply with a regulated one.
The predictable, ongoing result of a total failure to replace the unregulated supply with a regulated one.
B.C. sees record number of 911 calls about toxic drug overdoses, health authority says | CBC News
The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) said that British Columbia has seen a record number of 911 calls related to toxic drug poisonings, as officials issue warnings about an increasingly tainted s...
www.cbc.ca
November 27, 2025 at 6:29 PM
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
The predictable, ongoing result of a total failure to replace the unregulated supply with a regulated one.
The predictable, ongoing result of a total failure to replace the unregulated supply with a regulated one.
Reposted by Doctors for Safer Drug Policy
We Refuse: Health Workers Against Involuntary Care is now public.
@hrna.bsky.social and DSDP are circulating a joint statement opposing BC’s plan to expand involuntary drug treatment. This approach is ineffective, increases overdose risk, violates autonomy, and harms marginalized communities.
@hrna.bsky.social and DSDP are circulating a joint statement opposing BC’s plan to expand involuntary drug treatment. This approach is ineffective, increases overdose risk, violates autonomy, and harms marginalized communities.
November 26, 2025 at 11:28 PM
We Refuse: Health Workers Against Involuntary Care is now public.
@hrna.bsky.social and DSDP are circulating a joint statement opposing BC’s plan to expand involuntary drug treatment. This approach is ineffective, increases overdose risk, violates autonomy, and harms marginalized communities.
@hrna.bsky.social and DSDP are circulating a joint statement opposing BC’s plan to expand involuntary drug treatment. This approach is ineffective, increases overdose risk, violates autonomy, and harms marginalized communities.
Reposted by Doctors for Safer Drug Policy
“…many were disappointed that involuntary stabilization did not have a more lasting impact. Parents also perceived several drawbacks of involuntary stabilization, such as damaging the parent-child relationship and exposing youth to negative peer influences.”
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
“Grasping at straws,” experiences of Canadian parents using involuntary stabilization for a youth's substance use
In Canada, involuntary stabilization programs are used to apprehend and confine youth who use drugs for the purpose of stabilization, assessment, and …
www.sciencedirect.com
November 27, 2025 at 2:44 AM
“…many were disappointed that involuntary stabilization did not have a more lasting impact. Parents also perceived several drawbacks of involuntary stabilization, such as damaging the parent-child relationship and exposing youth to negative peer influences.”
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Reposted by Doctors for Safer Drug Policy
Have you considered ensuring that regulated drugs are accessible to everyone since this is a public health emergency
Please be aware, drug poisonings are increasing in Cowichan. Friends, family and community members using unregulated substances face increased risk.
See information below:
See information below:
PLEASE SHARE: #Cowichan Overdose Advisory has been extended.
There are options for safer use: Find information on supervised consumption sites, drug-checking services & more: ow.ly/FgyS50PLkLF
There are options for safer use: Find information on supervised consumption sites, drug-checking services & more: ow.ly/FgyS50PLkLF
November 27, 2025 at 12:14 AM
Have you considered ensuring that regulated drugs are accessible to everyone since this is a public health emergency
We Refuse: Health Workers Against Involuntary Care is now public.
@hrna.bsky.social and DSDP are circulating a joint statement opposing BC’s plan to expand involuntary drug treatment. This approach is ineffective, increases overdose risk, violates autonomy, and harms marginalized communities.
@hrna.bsky.social and DSDP are circulating a joint statement opposing BC’s plan to expand involuntary drug treatment. This approach is ineffective, increases overdose risk, violates autonomy, and harms marginalized communities.
November 26, 2025 at 11:28 PM
We Refuse: Health Workers Against Involuntary Care is now public.
@hrna.bsky.social and DSDP are circulating a joint statement opposing BC’s plan to expand involuntary drug treatment. This approach is ineffective, increases overdose risk, violates autonomy, and harms marginalized communities.
@hrna.bsky.social and DSDP are circulating a joint statement opposing BC’s plan to expand involuntary drug treatment. This approach is ineffective, increases overdose risk, violates autonomy, and harms marginalized communities.
Reposted by Doctors for Safer Drug Policy
If only there were places where people could go to ensure they have a clean supply and don't overdose.
#cdnpoli
#cdnpoli
this is the emergency and it will continue to get worse until the government addresses the unregulated drug supply.
bsky.app/profile/thef...
bsky.app/profile/thef...
Toxic Drug Alert: The week of November 17-21 saw BC’s highest number of calls made to 911 for toxic drug poisoning events. This is likely due to a substance called medetomidine being mixed with fentanyl. Please see and share the information provided.
November 26, 2025 at 4:53 PM
If only there were places where people could go to ensure they have a clean supply and don't overdose.
#cdnpoli
#cdnpoli
Reposted by Doctors for Safer Drug Policy
Today the BC NDP introduced Bill 31, the Mental Health Amendment Act, in response to an ongoing court case.
The BC Greens say the move is an opportunistic effort to protect its defence of involuntary treatment.
#bcpoli
Our statement ⬇️
The BC Greens say the move is an opportunistic effort to protect its defence of involuntary treatment.
#bcpoli
Our statement ⬇️
BC Greens question when the BC NDP will implement a full review of the Mental Health Act instead of tinkering around the edges - BC Green Caucus
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 24, 2025 VICTORIA, B.C. – The BC Greens say the BC NDP’s move to amend Section 31 of the Mental Health Act is an opportunistic effort to protect its defence of involunta...
bcgreencaucus.ca
November 25, 2025 at 12:10 AM
Today the BC NDP introduced Bill 31, the Mental Health Amendment Act, in response to an ongoing court case.
The BC Greens say the move is an opportunistic effort to protect its defence of involuntary treatment.
#bcpoli
Our statement ⬇️
The BC Greens say the move is an opportunistic effort to protect its defence of involuntary treatment.
#bcpoli
Our statement ⬇️
You know you are on the right side of medical ethics when you need to get a law amended just to shield you from lawsuits for your activities.
#bcpoli
#bcpoli
November 25, 2025 at 1:57 AM
You know you are on the right side of medical ethics when you need to get a law amended just to shield you from lawsuits for your activities.
#bcpoli
#bcpoli
Reposted by Doctors for Safer Drug Policy
I contributed to this @cmaj.ca Commentary because:
1. Choosing control over care is a failure of imagination that invites despair; and,
2. Health equity requires advocacy.
#HealthEquity
#DecolonizeCare
#CareOverControl
@dsdp.ca @nobill53ab.bsky.social
www.cmaj.ca/lookup/doi/10.1503/cmaj.250910
1. Choosing control over care is a failure of imagination that invites despair; and,
2. Health equity requires advocacy.
#HealthEquity
#DecolonizeCare
#CareOverControl
@dsdp.ca @nobill53ab.bsky.social
www.cmaj.ca/lookup/doi/10.1503/cmaj.250910
Involuntary treatment for substance use: application of Kass’ ethical framework to Alberta’s Compassionate Intervention Act
Key points
In Canada, more than 50 000 opioid-related deaths have occurred since September 2024, mostly in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario, where governments are all in various stages of develo...
www.cmaj.ca
November 24, 2025 at 5:31 AM
I contributed to this @cmaj.ca Commentary because:
1. Choosing control over care is a failure of imagination that invites despair; and,
2. Health equity requires advocacy.
#HealthEquity
#DecolonizeCare
#CareOverControl
@dsdp.ca @nobill53ab.bsky.social
www.cmaj.ca/lookup/doi/10.1503/cmaj.250910
1. Choosing control over care is a failure of imagination that invites despair; and,
2. Health equity requires advocacy.
#HealthEquity
#DecolonizeCare
#CareOverControl
@dsdp.ca @nobill53ab.bsky.social
www.cmaj.ca/lookup/doi/10.1503/cmaj.250910
“If the public at large accepts preventable mass deaths as inevitable, the system will maintain itself.” -Let This Radicalize You
November 24, 2025 at 12:38 AM
“If the public at large accepts preventable mass deaths as inevitable, the system will maintain itself.” -Let This Radicalize You
www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
“Lives are at stake. And to suggest that policing is having that kind of impact on overdose deaths, when that is really not what evidence supports and is not what the data supports, is irresponsible and a real disservice to the public.”
#bcpoli #harmreduction
“Lives are at stake. And to suggest that policing is having that kind of impact on overdose deaths, when that is really not what evidence supports and is not what the data supports, is irresponsible and a real disservice to the public.”
#bcpoli #harmreduction
Vancouver mayor credits DTES task force with reducing overdoses. Here’s what public health experts say
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim continues to laud the impacts of a police-led task force focused on crime on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, claiming it led to a reduction in overdoses.
www.ctvnews.ca
November 20, 2025 at 6:25 PM
www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
“Lives are at stake. And to suggest that policing is having that kind of impact on overdose deaths, when that is really not what evidence supports and is not what the data supports, is irresponsible and a real disservice to the public.”
#bcpoli #harmreduction
“Lives are at stake. And to suggest that policing is having that kind of impact on overdose deaths, when that is really not what evidence supports and is not what the data supports, is irresponsible and a real disservice to the public.”
#bcpoli #harmreduction
Reposted by Doctors for Safer Drug Policy
Sounds as though the CCSA will not allow uncomfortable questions near the political appointees at tomorrow’s panel - I’m hearing Q’s are entirely pre-vetted.
While Alberta Recovery Model stalwart Cedars Recovery is a conference sponsor, here are the speakers at this afternoon’s Alberta Model talk:
While Alberta Recovery Model stalwart Cedars Recovery is a conference sponsor, here are the speakers at this afternoon’s Alberta Model talk:
November 17, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Sounds as though the CCSA will not allow uncomfortable questions near the political appointees at tomorrow’s panel - I’m hearing Q’s are entirely pre-vetted.
While Alberta Recovery Model stalwart Cedars Recovery is a conference sponsor, here are the speakers at this afternoon’s Alberta Model talk:
While Alberta Recovery Model stalwart Cedars Recovery is a conference sponsor, here are the speakers at this afternoon’s Alberta Model talk:
Reposted by Doctors for Safer Drug Policy
It’s infuriating.
The government asked experts for answers, got unanimous support for expanding safer supply—including compassion clubs—and then buried the findings.
They didn’t need more data. They ignored it.
Our families deserve honesty and real action, not political games.
The government asked experts for answers, got unanimous support for expanding safer supply—including compassion clubs—and then buried the findings.
They didn’t need more data. They ignored it.
Our families deserve honesty and real action, not political games.
November 17, 2025 at 9:29 PM
It’s infuriating.
The government asked experts for answers, got unanimous support for expanding safer supply—including compassion clubs—and then buried the findings.
They didn’t need more data. They ignored it.
Our families deserve honesty and real action, not political games.
The government asked experts for answers, got unanimous support for expanding safer supply—including compassion clubs—and then buried the findings.
They didn’t need more data. They ignored it.
Our families deserve honesty and real action, not political games.
Reposted by Doctors for Safer Drug Policy
Safe supply would have saved thousands of lives. But the reality is that it’s extremely hard to access, making it unavailable to most people who are struggling, despite what politicians claim.
Please watch and share with others.
youtu.be/6XJ-r-M8Ifw
Please watch and share with others.
youtu.be/6XJ-r-M8Ifw
November 16, 2025 at 10:20 PM
Safe supply would have saved thousands of lives. But the reality is that it’s extremely hard to access, making it unavailable to most people who are struggling, despite what politicians claim.
Please watch and share with others.
youtu.be/6XJ-r-M8Ifw
Please watch and share with others.
youtu.be/6XJ-r-M8Ifw
People who use drugs are human beings, therefore they have human rights.
We applaud the BC Human Rights Commissioner for sticking to the science and being an unequivocal champion for the rights of our patients.
bchumanrights.ca/resources/pu...
#bcpoli
We applaud the BC Human Rights Commissioner for sticking to the science and being an unequivocal champion for the rights of our patients.
bchumanrights.ca/resources/pu...
#bcpoli
A human rights-based approach to the toxic drug crisis | BC's Office of the Human Rights Commissioner
The Commissioner’s position on the toxic drug crisis, calling for an evidence-based response that centers public health and compassion.
bchumanrights.ca
November 17, 2025 at 12:20 AM
People who use drugs are human beings, therefore they have human rights.
We applaud the BC Human Rights Commissioner for sticking to the science and being an unequivocal champion for the rights of our patients.
bchumanrights.ca/resources/pu...
#bcpoli
We applaud the BC Human Rights Commissioner for sticking to the science and being an unequivocal champion for the rights of our patients.
bchumanrights.ca/resources/pu...
#bcpoli
Reposted by Doctors for Safer Drug Policy
Health Canada convened an independent expert advisory group in 2020 to provide guidance on safer supply. Health Canada heavily redacted its final report, but unredacted version obtained by CBC shows the expert group said drug crisis is driven by prohibition and recommended expansion of safer supply
November 16, 2025 at 11:50 PM
Health Canada convened an independent expert advisory group in 2020 to provide guidance on safer supply. Health Canada heavily redacted its final report, but unredacted version obtained by CBC shows the expert group said drug crisis is driven by prohibition and recommended expansion of safer supply
Kudos to the team at the fifth estate. We especially appreciate the accurate description of the origins of safe supply prescribing. Many other things to like about this piece. We need multiple accessible forms of safe supply.
#notalladdictionmedicinespecialists
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
#notalladdictionmedicinespecialists
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
They’re at risk of dying from opioid overdose. The government cut funding that could help them | CBC News
As deadly drug overdoses climbed across Canada, decision-makers faced political backlash for funding programs that gave drug users prescribed opioids and, against their own experts’ advice, scaled bac...
www.cbc.ca
November 15, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Kudos to the team at the fifth estate. We especially appreciate the accurate description of the origins of safe supply prescribing. Many other things to like about this piece. We need multiple accessible forms of safe supply.
#notalladdictionmedicinespecialists
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
#notalladdictionmedicinespecialists
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...